District Manager- Kansas City, MO at Staples

The world of working and learning has changed. This is your opportunity to be a part of a brand transformation and growth strategy within the retail industry. Staples is helping our customers and community discover innovative products, services, and inspiration that unlock what’s possible, while empowering you to unlock your potential. Our people are the heart of our success and there has never been a better time to join us as we lead the way in a new era of working and learning.

Primary Purpose:

The Retail District Manager (DM) is responsible for delivering profitable growth of sales and services within the district.  This is accomplished through a high level of first-time execution of company initiatives and exceeding customer expectations.  The DM is responsible for creating a high performing team of General Managers, Assistant Managers and Associates.  This position leads a team of General Managers across his/her store base to execute and deliver on all sales, service, and operational programs to achieve the Staples US Stores team objectives in our omni-channel environment.

Great Perks:

• Annual Bonus program, generous time off, weekly pay
• Associate Discount
• Full medical benefits package, 401(k) with company match, and many more benefits

Core Responsibilities:

DMs direct the planning, development, execution, and monitoring of store business plans designed to meet or exceed North American Stores & Online (NASO) sales and service objectives. The DM must maintain a constant presence throughout his/her district to, a) foster a customer-centric, sales/profit driving approach to business across the stores, b) serve as champion and role-model for Staples Values and Commitments, and c) ensure customers enjoy a seamless, Omni-channel shopping experience.

• Customer Centricity – Create a district-wide culture where all associates are engaged, trained, and empowered to create a world-class customer experience, consistently delivering the Staples Signature Experience.  The DM drives a culture of putting the customer first by ensuring a high level of satisfaction resulting in a lasting and growing customer base.  They must direct GMs to research and resolve inquiries and complaints promptly to provide exceptional resolution and a lasting, positive impression on our customers.
• People Excellence – Actively attract and retain a high performing team.  Constantly evaluate workforce analytics to develop clear succession planning strategies from General Manger to Level 5 supervisors, to ensure the right people are in the right positions at the right times.  Support General Managers in creating talent strategies, personnel acquisition, and staff level management to achieve and maintain store and district operational requirements.  Interview all level 5 and above internal and external candidates, monitor, and redirect their training compliance during on-boarding.
• Driving Execution – Direct and coach GMs on how to achieve success across all sales, service, and profit categories with a high degree of honesty and integrity.  It is critical that this is achieved through obtaining first time execution of company initiatives.
• Business and Financial Acumen – Continuously review key performance indicators and analyze by-district and store opportunities to optimize business plan results. Recognize success, reward responsible risk-taking and conduct crucial conversations to redirect as needed.
• Fiscal Responsibility - Create positive material improvement on the District P&L statement. Review underperforming stores and take appropriate actions when U.S. Retail objectives are not met at district or individual store level.

 Scope of Duties

 District Managers have the greatest impact on their teams through PRESENCE within their stores. It is expected that DMs will spend 70% of their time in the field, and complete basic visit notes and/or documentation on all of them.

• Promote a high-performance sales and service culture while demanding consistent operational excellence. The DM will coach GMs and store teams in establishing effective selling strategies, workload planning, scheduling, payroll management, loss prevention, safety, and merchandising techniques. 
• Execute Regional and Company Sales and profit strategies into operational reality by aligning appropriate resources and personnel across the district and driving superior execution from store teams centered on high ethical standards of conduct.
• Lead by example during visits by demonstrating the Staples Signature Experience, enforcing high standards of operational excellence, and creating a high level of motivation to WIN.
• Actively promotes and fosters shared learning across stores, offering useful real-time training and coaching for improvement that promotes development in store associates. Coaches team members to help them clearly identify, prioritize, and focus on their necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to reach individual and team targets.  
• Be an effective change agent to guide the store team through organizational and operational changes without sacrificing quality in the sales, service, and operational aspects of the business. Foster a fast and flexible, highly adaptive business style.
• Ensure compliance in key Profit & Loss (P&L) performance metrics including sales attainment to budget, comp sales, margin performance, inventory control/in-stock, shrink, general expense control, payroll, operating profit, safety-related claims, etc.
• Supervise GMs in all operational aspects of new store openings, store closures and remodels to ensure construction schedules and budgets are achieved as well as all operating procedures are in place.
• Engage in Crucial Conversations with team to address opportunities.  Ensure consistent application of performance management practices including but not limited to annual and mid-year performance appraisals, coaching/counseling and developmental plans.  Conduct timely and relevant corrective documentation of improvement plans to ensure accountability and required changes.
• Adhere to Federal and state laws, including applicable wage and hour legislation for non-exempt associates and minors. Comply with all FSLA laws, regulatory directives, and OSHA requirements.
• Demonstrate solid evidence of community outreach and involvement. Awareness of competitor practices to inform and promote opportunities.

 Education, Experience, Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is preferred, or equivalent years of related experience. 
• A minimum of 6 - 10 years progressively responsible management and multi-unit experience in a high-volume retail environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Exceptional organization and time management skills. 
• Ability to drive sales in a customer service focused environment.
• Proven track record of increasing sales and store profitability. Experience in revenue generation to include the ability to analyze P&L and financial reports, ensuring key performance metrics are met.
• Demonstrated commitment to identify, address, and resolve critical gaps in current and future store talent pool needs. Strong ability to train and coach. Proactively and freely shares own experience and expertise to teach store team members (role plays, models effective skills).
• Strong skills in management strategy, staffing performance management, associate relations, and associate development. Ability to support and implement various People programs and initiatives to achieve business objectives.
• Leadership and partnership that will inspire associate engagement and customer loyalty with the communities in which we serve and operate.
• A high level of administrative competence with ability to meet deadlines. Good working knowledge of technology, PC skills and knowledge of retail related software and hardware systems.